cloud

How to Overcome Typical Security Risks in Multi-Cloud Environments

As more organizations embrace digital transformation, the shift toward multi-cloud environments has become a strategic move – enabling businesses to tap into the strengths of multiple cloud providers while avoiding vendor lock-in and enhancing agility. But with greater flexibility comes greater complexity, especially when it comes to securing systems, data, and applications spread across different platforms. Unlike single-cloud environments, where governance and control are more centralized, multi-cloud setups often lead to fragmented visibility, inconsistent security policies, and increased chances of misconfiguration. These challenges, if left unaddressed, can expose an organization to significant risks ranging from data breaches to compliance violations. In this article, we will highlight the most common security risks in multi-cloud environments and explore actionable strategies to overcome them – helping you build secure, resilient, and well-governed multi-cloud architecture. While the multi-cloud approach offers undeniable advantages – such as avoiding vendor lock-in, optimizing costs, and increasing service availability – it also introduces a more intricate and often fragmented security landscape. Unlike single-cloud deployments, where policies, tools, and access controls can be uniformly applied, multi-cloud environments require organizations to manage multiple platforms, each with its own security model, interface, and operational nuances. This increased complexity often leads to gaps in visibility, inconsistencies in security policies, and a broader attack surface. If not managed properly, these challenges can significantly increase the risk of cyberattacks, data loss, and compliance violations. Here are the top five security risks most commonly encountered in multi-cloud environments: 1. Inconsistent Identity and Access Management (IAM) Managing user identities and access permissions across different cloud platforms can result in inconsistent policies, over-privileged accounts, and difficulty in enforcing the principle of least privilege. Attackers often exploit weak or mismanaged IAM systems to gain unauthorized access to sensitive resources. 2. Misconfigurations and Human Error Each cloud provider has its own configurations and default settings. Without standardized configuration practices, there’s a high risk of accidentally exposing resources—such as unsecured storage buckets, open ports, or overly permissive roles—to the public internet or unauthorized users. 3. Lack of Centralized Visibility and Monitoring With resources spread across multiple cloud platforms, security teams often struggle to maintain full visibility into system activity, threats, and compliance status. This fragmented view makes it difficult to detect anomalies or respond quickly to incidents. 4. Data Security and Compliance Challenges Data is often transferred and stored across multiple environments, which increases the risk of exposure, loss, or non-compliance with industry regulations. Ensuring data is encrypted, tracked, and compliant across all platforms can be difficult without centralized control. 5. Vendor Lock-In and Integration Gaps Relying on proprietary tools and services from individual cloud providers can lead to vendor lock-in, making it difficult to migrate workloads or unify security controls across platforms. Many native security tools are not designed to work across different clouds, creating integration gaps and operational silos. This fragmentation leads to inconsistent security policies, duplicated efforts, and limited visibility. Over time, it increases complexity, reduces agility, and elevates risk in managing the multi-cloud environment. Securing a multi-cloud environment requires more than just extending traditional security practices to multiple platforms – it demands a cohesive, strategy-driven approach. With data, workloads, and access points spread across different cloud providers, the attack surface expands, and misalignments in security policies can easily occur. To reduce risk, organizations must focus on visibility, consistency, and automation across their entire cloud footprint. Below are five actionable tips to help you build a more secure and resilient multi-cloud architecture. 1. Centralize Visibility and Monitoring Leverage cross-cloud security dashboards and API integrations to unify monitoring across all platforms. Aggregating logs, metrics, and events into a centralized SIEM system enables faster detection of anomalies and suspicious activity. Real-time alerts and correlation across environments help identify threats that may otherwise go unnoticed. Visibility is the foundation of effective multi-cloud security. 2. Standardize Identity and Access Management (IAM) Implement identity federation and single sign-on (SSO) to manage access across cloud providers under one policy framework. Enforce least-privilege principles using role-based access controls (RBAC) and regularly review user permissions. Avoid using separate IAM configurations for each platform, which increases risk. A unified IAM strategy simplifies governance and limits attack vectors. 3. Implement a Zero Trust Security Model Adopt a Zero Trust approach where no user or system is inherently trusted, even inside the network perimeter. Continuously verify identities, enforce granular access controls, and monitor user behavior across all cloud platforms. Combine this with micro-segmentation to limit lateral movement in case of a breach. Zero Trust helps contain threats and reduces the blast radius of potential attacks. 4. Encrypt Data Across All Layers Ensure encryption is applied to data both in transit and at rest using the native encryption tools provided by each cloud platform. Regularly rotate encryption keys and apply strict access controls to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data. Be cautious of exposing data during transfers between clouds by using secure protocols. Encryption adds an essential layer of protection, especially when data is distributed across different services. 5. Establish a Multi-Cloud Incident Response Plan Develop an incident response strategy that covers all cloud platforms, with clear roles, escalation paths, and automated playbooks. Integrate cloud-native tools with centralized response systems to accelerate containment and recovery. Run regular simulations to test the plan’s effectiveness in multi-cloud scenarios. A fast, coordinated response minimizes the impact of any breach. Securing a multi-cloud environment doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the typical risks – ranging from misconfigurations to identity sprawl – and implementing proactive, unified, and automated security practices, organizations can confidently harness the power of multi-cloud without sacrificing their security posture.

PATECCO Achieves Delinea Gold Partner Status

We are proud to announce that PATECCO is now a Gold Partner of Delinea, a global leader in Privileged Access Management (PAM). This partnership marks a significant milestone in our strategic development and further confirms our deep expertise in the field of Identity & Access Management. Delinea offers cutting-edge PAM solutions that integrate seamlessly into complex IT environments – on-premises, hybrid, or fully cloud-based. As a long-standing IAM provider, we recognize the increasing demand for intelligent, scalable security solutions that protect privileged access and support compliance requirements. With the Gold Partner status, we not only demonstrate our technological competence but also reaffirm our commitment to helping organizations safeguard their digital identities. To ensure we continue delivering top-tier services, we will train at least three new colleagues this year in Delinea products, equipping them with the skills needed to handle any customer scenario. This ongoing investment in our team ensures that we remain agile, expert, and ready for the most complex challenges in the PAM landscape. We are also taking a big step towards strengthening our Managed Service offerings: we are currently building our own Security Operation Center (SoC) in Bochum, specifically designed to support and monitor all Delinea solutions we work with. For customers interested in a professional managed service, this means dedicated support, rapid response times, and tailored solutions – right here from Germany. Our growth doesn’t stop there – we are actively expanding our operations in Austria and Switzerland, bringing our proven expertise in PAM and IAM to a wider customer base in the DACH region. Local presence, combined with international experience, ensures our clients receive both personalized service and cutting-edge solutions. One of our key strengths is that we independently conduct all Proof of Concepts (PoCs). That means fast, efficient implementation and customized demonstrations tailored to each client’s unique infrastructure and goals. It’s a hands-on way to experience the power of Delinea solutions before going live. The Gold Partnership between PATECCO and Delinea marks a powerful alliance in the field of Identity and Access Management. With a clear focus on customer-centric solutions, continued investment in expert training, and the development of our own Security Operations Center, we are well-positioned to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready PAM services. This is more than just a partnership – it’s a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and trust.

Maximizing Business Value and Opportunities with Cloud-Based Identity Security

In the technology-driven age, where organizations are rapidly adopting cloud technologies to streamline operations and enhance agility, the importance of robust identity security cannot be overstated. Cyber threats targeting Identity and Access management (IAM) systems are evolving, and outdated, on-premises security solutions may no longer suffice. Cloud-based identity security offers businesses a modern, scalable, and cost-efficient alternative to protect sensitive data, ensure compliance, and foster innovation. This article explores the business value of upgrading to cloud-based identity security, emphasizing its benefits and strategic significance. Understanding Cloud-Based Identity Security Cloud-based identity security refers to the technologies and processes that manage user identities and access controls in cloud environments. Unlike traditional, on-premises security measures, cloud-based solutions provide flexibility, scalability, and advanced features that adapt to the dynamic nature of modern business. Key components include multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), user behavior analytics, and Identity Governance. The increasing prevalence of data breaches and cyberattacks has made it imperative for businesses to implement robust security measures. Cloud-based identity security solutions offer advanced authentication protocols that significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access. By requiring multiple forms of verification, such as passwords, biometrics, or security tokens, organizations can ensure that only legitimate users gain access to sensitive information. Moreover, cloud-based solutions benefit from continuous updates that address emerging threats. Security patches and improvements occur seamlessly, allowing businesses to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities without incurring the downtime associated with traditional systems. This proactive approach to security not only protects assets but also instills confidence in customers and stakeholders. Implementing cloud-based identity security can lead to considerable cost savings. Traditional identity management systems often require significant investments in hardware, software, and maintenance. In contrast, cloud solutions operate on a subscription basis, allowing companies to pay only for what they use and scale as needed. This model can significantly cut down on capital expenditures and alleviate the burden of ongoing IT support. Additionally, cloud-based identity solutions enable businesses to redirect IT resources toward more strategic initiatives. By automating routine identity management tasks – such as provisioning, de-provisioning, and access reviews—organizations can free up valuable time for IT staff to focus on innovation and growth. User experience is a crucial factor in employee productivity. Cloud-based identity security streamlines access to applications through single sign-on (SSO) capabilities, allowing employees to log in with a single set of credentials across various platforms. This ease of access reduces frustration associated with remembering multiple passwords and encourages the efficient use of tools essential for their roles. Furthermore, the security features embedded in these solutions often enhance confidence in using digital resources. Employees are more likely to adopt new technologies and workflows when they trust that their identities and data are well-protected, leading to increased collaboration and innovation within teams. In today’s regulatory landscape, compliance with data protection laws is crucial for maintaining customer trust. Cloud-based identity security solutions offer built-in compliance features that help organizations meet requirements set forth by regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA and others. By providing detailed access logs, user activity tracking, and role-based access control, these solutions facilitate adherence to compliance standards. This capability not only mitigates the risk of costly penalties associated with non-compliance but also enhances the organization’s reputation as a secure and trustworthy business partner. Customers are more likely to engage with organizations that prioritize data protection, thus opening the door for new opportunities. The rise of remote work has emphasized the need for secure access to company resources from various locations. Cloud-based identity security solutions enable organizations to implement secure access protocols that protect against potential threats associated with remote working environments. Employees can work confidently from anywhere, knowing their access is secured and monitored. In the event of a disruption, cloud-based solutions also facilitate business continuity. With data and identity management hosted in the cloud, organizations can quickly recover from incidents that may compromise operational capabilities. This resilience not only minimizes downtime but ensures that businesses can continue to serve their clients effectively, fostering loyalty and trust. Conclusion Maximizing business value and opportunities through cloud-based identity security is an astute strategy in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. By adopting these innovative security solutions, organizations can enhance their security posture, achieve cost savings, improve user experience, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. As businesses navigate the complexities of modern technology, investing in cloud-based identity security will not only protect their assets but also position them for long-term success. Embracing this transformative approach to identity management is not just an option; it is a necessity for any forward-thinking organization aiming to thrive in an interconnected world.

PATECCO and One Identity  – A Strategic Partnership for Enhanced IAM and PAM Solutions

Since 2019, PATECCO has formed a strategic partnership with One Identity, a leading provider of identity and access management (IAM) solutions. This collaboration was established to address the growing complexity of managing digital identities in modern enterprises, particularly with the increasing demand for secure, scalable, and compliant identity solutions. Both companies bring complementary strengths to the table. One Identity is known for its innovative software solutions, such as Identity Manager and Safeguard, which streamline identity governance, privileged access management, and secure cloud infrastructure. PATECCO, with its deep expertise in IAM consulting, specializes in deploying and optimizing IAM frameworks for large enterprises, particularly in highly regulated industries like finance, insurance, pharma, utility, energy and telecommunications. By combining One Identity’s robust technology platform with PATECCO’s hands-on implementation experience, the partnership ensures that customers receive end-to-end IAM solutions tailored to their specific needs. The collaboration also emphasizes integrating cloud-based IAM services, enabling companies to securely manage identities across both on-premises and cloud environments. This partnership underscores the increasing importance of strong identity management practices in today’s digital landscape, where cyber threats and regulatory requirements are more demanding than ever. Together, One Identity and PATECCO aim to provide organizations with the tools and expertise needed to secure their digital identities effectively, ensuring both protection and regulatory compliance. Click on the image to dowload:

SIEM As a Robust Solution for Detecting Threats in Time

Security Information and Event Management, or SIEM for short, has a long tradition in IT security. Nevertheless, it is highly topical and can be seen as the basis of „next generation security“. At current trade fairs and events, we hear a lot about security analytics or security intelligence. Both terms are associated with the detection of advanced attacks. The acronym SIEM, on the other hand, is associated with classic security information and event management. SIEM is and remains the central approach for collecting and analysing security-relevant information and data on security events, making it available in compliance reports and providing the basis for prompt responses to security incidents with alerts. A robust SIEM solution also offers management of security-relevant data and analyses and thus enables the search for events in the past to support IT forensic investigations. How do SIEM tools work? A modern SIEM requires three core competences – data collection, analysis and response – to ensure the security required in today’s hybrid and multi-cloud environments. The job of a SIEM refers to: If compliance reporting is an important factor for the organisation, a SIEM should also be able to create dashboards and ensure that security policies are being enforced. What SIEM is used for? A Security Information and Event Management tool is used for comprehensive security management in information technology environments. SIEM tools are designed to collect, aggregate, analyze, and report on security data from various sources within an organization’s IT infrastructure, so the primary functions of a SIEM tool include: SIEM as a part of the mandatory security program Without appropriate SIEM solutions, companies are unable to analyse the large number and the variety of logs provided by the IT systems they use. That is why Security Information and Event Management is an integral component of a comprehensive security program. SIEM solutions empower organizations to proactively detect, investigate, and respond to security incidents by aggregating and analyzing vast amounts of data from disparate sources across their IT infrastructure. The range of logs extends from the log files of individual applications to the operating systems of (mobile) endpoints and servers, hardware firmware, IT security solutions, networks and clouds. If the security-relevant information from the various data sources is not analysed promptly enough, potential attacks and incidents could not be properly detected or could be detected too late. Without a central location that collects, analyses and consolidates the logs for reports, it is also virtually impossible to provide the necessary compliance evidence for IT security. IT forensics also needs SIEM-based support in order to better uncover the traces of attackers and possible vulnerabilities that have been abused. The decision as to which SIEM system is the right one, must be made without any fail. The market is rich in solutions that offer different capabilities, features and advantages. Companies should pay particular attention to whether their individual requirements are met, i.e. the IT systems to be supported, whose log data must be able to be read out, the available interfaces and data formats, but also the available reports, which must match the compliance requirements that the company faces. Furthermore, the cloud plays an important role here. On one hand, the solution of choice should also be able to take into account the cloud solutions used, i.e. support cloud logging. It should also be possible to integrate security-relevant information that is available via the cloud. The so-called „threat intelligence feeds“ from security providers deliver via the cloud an important additional information that a company’s SIEM cannot have, based on its own data. The early detection of attacks depends heavily on the information base of the SIEM, so additional data on possible threats and attacks from security intelligence services is very valuable. Concusion As cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity and sophistication, the importance of SIEM within a comprehensive security program cannot be overstated. Organizations that leverage SIEM effectively are better equipped to stay ahead of adversaries, safeguard critical assets, and uphold trust with stakeholders in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape. Embracing SIEM as a cornerstone of cybersecurity strategies is essential for organizations committed to maintaining resilience and staying abreast of emerging threats in today’s dynamic threat landscape.

What Are the Best Practices For a Successful Cloud Migration?

Nowadays the cloud plays a central role in more and more companies, in the management of IT resources, in the support of agile development and provisioning processes, and in the introduction of flexible business models. In addition, the cloud drives digital transformation and enables more efficient IT operations. As today’s companies need a modern IT environment that can be scaled quickly and across multiple locations and supports numerous digital channels and a variety of different devices, there is no alternative to using the cloud. This is because the cloud is the basis for innovative IT infrastructures, digital transformation and forward-looking business models. Many companies are using the cloud to optimize communication and collaboration. Their employees can work more autonomously and exchange information with teams in other areas more efficiently than ever before. This helps companies to act faster and more intelligently. Challenges of the Cloud In addition to the prospect of more efficient and more powerful processes and IT infrastructures, the cloud also poses numerous challenges. There is no guarantee of success when it comes to migration – neither strategically nor financially. Very often, companies launch their cloud initiatives on the basis of incomplete and hastily drawn up plans. In many cases, company executives and IT experts have not thought through the implementation of the new systems sufficiently. The result is a relatively chaotic IT and business environment that fails to realize the expected benefits of the technology.  Fragmented individual solutions can pose an additional problem, as the increasing complexity of the infrastructure slows down the applications – and therefore the business processes. What you should know about the cloud deployments Firstly, not all applications are suitable for the cloud. In-house deployment models will continue to exist, at least for the foreseeable future. In some cases, local solutions are even necessary to ensure compliance with guidelines. Secondly, not all cloud environments are the same. The cloud is a term that encompasses many different products, services and functions. Besides, there is a variety of providers and delivery methods, as well. Thirdly, it is important to plan the migration carefully and monitor its success – regardless of whether only some of the applications or the entire infrastructure is to be migrated to the cloud. When migrating, companies need to decide how much they want to spend on cloud resources to achieve the desired performance. They can realize maximum ROI if they succeed, the best possible performance with the right investment volume. This optimum can only be achieved through automation and the efficient use of cloud resources. Four Steps for Effective Cloud Implementation Every successful move to the cloud involves four key steps that companies should focus on in order to achieve optimal results: First of all, it should be determined which in-house applications provided within the company are suitable for a cloud platform. This decision should be made on the basis of usage trends and the expected benefits for business operations. An application that is used worldwide and with seasonal fluctuations to generate sales, is a good candidate. Ideally, the application architecture should be suitable for a cloud platform. You should also differentiate between business-critical and less important applications and determine their respective resource requirements in terms of computing power, memory, etc. Based on this information, your IT experts can make forecasts on the extent of future cloud resource usage. For ensuring a smooth running of the migration process, it is also essential that you are aware of the dependencies between different applications and between the different modules of the individual applications. If a company has clear answers to these questions, the effort involved in migration becomes predictable, which in turn enables more accurate planning. Once you have determined the order in which the applications are to be migrated to the cloud, you can begin to start preparing the process. This step involves dismantling the existing applications and converting them for cloud-based provision. The first step of this process is a thorough review of the application modules, particularly with regard to dependencies and cloud capability. The applications may be transferred to container-based microservices architectures that are optimized for cloud platforms. In any case, you should ensure that the applications that are going to be migrated use resources efficiently and can be maintained and scaled with little effort. To be able to determine whether migrated applications deliver the desired business performance, your organization needs a detailed overview of the internal and cloud-based environments. You should ensure that the cloud-based applications and services are always available for all users on all devices. The scope of validity of the SLAs agreed with the service providers usually ends at the edge of the cloud. However, the fact that a server is online says little about the actual performance of the application hosted on the user’s end devices. In order to monitor compliance with service levels, performance requirements and security guidelines, you need tools that provide you with a detailed overview of all applications, networks, infrastructures and devices – from the perspective of the end user. Of course, the functions for performance monitoring, provision optimization and monitoring of the complete deployment chain – from the end user to the network to the servers and databases – must also be available for the cloud-based part of the infrastructure. With the help of real-time analytics and powerful administration tools, IT teams from different parts of the organization can collaborate more effectively to ensure uninterrupted application availability, better plan product or system upgrades and manage the impact of migration processes on customer satisfaction and turnover. Ultimately, migration is about creating added value for the company as well as for its customers and business partners. In order to benefit from the advantages of the cloud in the long term, companies must evaluate and realign their processes. In other cases, optimization can be achieved by implementing a data-driven approach that provides accurate forecasts of customer requirements and growth so that IT teams can anticipate what features need to be developed or

What Are the Differences Between Active Directory und Azure AD?

As managed service providers we are often asked by the clients whether an on-premises Active Directory or Azure AD is the best option? The decision on this question is not easy to make, because more and more cloud services are also spreading into traditional data center environments. Even though Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) and Microsoft Azure Active Directory look very similar, they are not interchangeable and there are a few key differences. Administrators considering a move to Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) for the authentication and authorization, need to understand exactly how the cloud-based platform differs from a traditional on-premises Active Directory (AD). With Azure Active Directory, Microsoft offers a directory service for the cloud. Even though the name is similar to Active Directory, the differences are serious. In this article, we are going to compare Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) and examine the most important differences. A local Active Directory is initially a combination of several services to manage users and systems. These include the Active Directory Domain Services and the Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS). AD DS is the central database that provides all directory services. AD DS is therefore the actual core of an Active Directory. Microsoft Azure Active Directory cannot create and manage the same domains, trees and forests that AD DS can. Instead, Azure AD treats each organisation as its own tenant, accessing Azure AD through the Azure Portal to manage its employees, passwords and access rights. Companies that opt for one of Microsoft’s cloud services, be it Office 365 or Exchange Online, are tenants or subscribers of Azure AD. On one hand, Azure Active Directory is a multitenant, cloud-based directory and identity management service from Microsoft. It combines core directory services, application access management, and identity protection into a single solution. Furthermore, Azure Active Directory is designed to support web-based services that use REST API interfaces for Office 365, Salesforce.com, etc. Unlike pure Active Directory, it uses completely different protocols (Goodbye, Kerberos and NTLM) that work with service protocols such as SAML and Oauth 2.0. With Azure AD, single sign-on scenarios can be implemented very easily. In addition to seamless networking with all Microsoft online services, Azure AD can connect to hundreds of SaaS applications via single sign-on. In this way, employees can access the company’s data without having to log in again and again. The access token is stored locally on the employee’s computer. You can also restrict access by setting up expiry dates for these tokens. On the other hand, Active Directory focuses on authenticating server services in the data centre. The service was not designed to deal with the challenges of authentication for cloud services. Active Directory does not natively support the connection and management of smartphones and tablets. In most cases, third-party tools are needed here. Azure Active Directory is directly connected to Microsoft Intune and therefore already offers functions for the management and connection of modern devices. Active Directory focuses on desktop computers and local servers. However, these devices can also become part of Azure AD and benefit from the functions of Microsoft Intune. It’s important to note that only Active Directory offers support for group policies. The group policy function does not exist in Azure AD. There are policies in Azure as well, but they are not compatible with group policies. Companies that rely on Azure AD and Active Directory must therefore build two policy infrastructures that take different approaches and thus support different settings. AAD is managed either in the Azure Portal or with PowerShell. In internal networks, Azure AD will certainly not be ready to replace Active Directory any time soon. In the cloud, Azure AD is better suited in most cases, but not every local server application can be easily moved to the cloud and use Azure AD. For example, it is not possible to extend the schema in Azure AD. Applications that require schema extensions must be installed in Active Directory. Trust positions between domains also do not exist in Azure AD. Administration in Azure Active Directory is delegated through Role Based Access Control (RBAC). Functions such as Privileged Identity Management (PIM) and Just-in-Time (JIT) are already firmly integrated here. These technologies also exist in ADDS, but must first be set up manually via server services. In most cases, separate servers are even required for this. Azure AD and local Active Directory can work together. Microsoft offers the possibility to synchronise local user accounts and group with Azure AD. The necessary tools are provided free of charge. Single sign-on scenarios can also be mapped in this way. If local Active Directory user accounts are required in Microsoft Azure, a domain controller can be operated in Azure that is connected to the local Active Directory. In most cases, companies therefore rely on Active Directory in the local data centre and Azure AD in the cloud. Through synchronisation, user accounts are available everywhere and can be used in a way that makes sense and can be implemented with the respective infrastructure. Microsoft Active Directory and Azure AD are suited to a particular IT environment. So, in which case you can use either solution or a combination of both? If you have an established on-prem intranet, then Microsoft AD is the best option. You probably have AD installed if the network is large enough and runs Windows Server. As mentioned above, Azure AD is designed for cloud authentication. This makes it the perfect IAM solution for organizations with a large cloud footprint. It also makes sense to consider Azure AD if you plan to move to the cloud. Combination of both solutions ensures seamless authentication between on-prem and cloud resources. As a conclusion we could say that Microsoft AD or Azure AD is not a matter of choice or preference. It’s more about what best works for your authentication needs. If you need a robust and integrated solution for managing user identities and access to applications

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